A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his aown heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.
4 aThe words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
bThe wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in ajudgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 aA fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his bsoul.
8 aThe words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the inmost body.
9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong atower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 aBefore destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 aA man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18 Casting alots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 aA man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21 aDeath and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 aHe who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.
23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers aroughly.
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
aBut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved.